Fall in the Washington DC metro area is a seasonal wonderland, offering apple picking, pumpkin patches, cozy fireplace dining, and fiery foliage. Discover Butler’s Orchard, Nalls Produce & Garden Center, and Skyline Drive for unforgettable autumn adventures, or warm up at hearthside restaurants like The Dabney and 1789 Restaurant. Don’t miss fall festivals, campfire gatherings, and seasonal menus bursting with flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and roasted squash. Plan your perfect DMV fall escape today!
Apple Picking & Pumpkin Patches: Harvest Season’s Best
The DMV’s orchards and farms transform into autumn playgrounds, perfect for families, couples, and solo adventurers. Grab a basket and head to these top spots for a day of farm-fresh fun.
Butler’s Orchard in Germantown, MD, is a classic fall destination with 25+ apple varieties, pumpkin patches, bonfires, hayrides, and a legendary corn maze. Their weekend festivals feature live music, food trucks, and seasonal treats like apple cider donuts. Cox Farms in Centreville, VA, is famous for its Fall Festival, complete with giant slides, hayrides, and a 10-acre corn maze. Don’t leave without trying their fresh-pressed cider! For a more rustic experience, Nall’s Produce in Franconia, MD, offers family-friendly activities, including pumpkin picking and a charming farm market filled with seasonal goodies. For a more intimate experience, Montpelier Farms in Upper Marlboro, MD, offers private campfire rentals, farm animals, and a spooky-themed corn maze after dark.
Pro Tip: Check farm websites for crop updates and weekend hours—popular spots fill up fast!
Chase the Colors: DMV’s Best Fall Foliage Escapes
When the leaves turn, the DMV becomes a photographer’s paradise. Pack your camera and explore these stunning locations.
Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive is a scenic 3-hour drive from DC, offering panoramic views of crimson and gold forests. Stop at Big Meadows for a short hike with 360-degree vistas. Rock Creek Park, DC’s urban oasis, features 12 miles of trails lined with fiery maples and oaks, perfect for a sunset stroll or weekend bike ride. For dramatic scenery, Great Falls Park combines waterfalls and autumn hues, making it ideal for hikers and photographers.
Local Secret: Visit the National Arboretum for golden ginkgo trees and quiet reflection ponds.
Cozy Up: Fireplace Dining & Campfire Gatherings
As temperatures drop, the DMV’s hearthside restaurants and fire pits beckon. Warm your hands—and your soul—at these spots.
The Dabney in Shaw, DC, is a Michelin-starred gem with a 10-foot wood-fired hearth. Try their smoked duck with autumn spices or roasted root vegetables. 1789 Restaurant in Georgetown offers historic charm and a fireplace-lit dining room, perfect for pumpkin ravioli and mulled wine. For a unique experience, The Graham Hotel Rooftop in Georgetown provides private firepits with skyline views, ideal for s’mores and spiked cider.
Bonus: Salamander Hotel offers a “S’mores & Sips” package with gourmet marshmallows and local craft cocktails.
Fall Festivals & Seasonal Events
The DMV comes alive with festivals celebrating harvests, history, and Halloween.
The Maryland Renaissance Festival in Crownsville, MD, invites you to time-travel to the 16th century with jousting, turkey legs, and mead—running weekends through October.
Gaver Farm Fall Fun Fest in Mount Airy, MD, is a family-friendly extravaganza featuring a 10-acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, and farm animals. This festive event runs through November 3, 2025, making it a perfect destination for a day of autumn fun.
Lucketts Fall Market in Berryville, VA, is a vintage lover’s paradise with over 200 vendors showcasing unique, repurposed, and antique finds. Held on October 17-19, 2025, this three-day event offers live music, food trucks, and workshops, attracting over 10,000 visitors.
Don’t Miss: Grab your flannel and head to Wisconsin Ave NW for the Georgetown Fall Market.
Beer & Brew Festivals
For those who love craft beer and seasonal flavors, the DMV has plenty of options to enjoy autumn with a pint in hand.
Shipgarten Fall Festival in Tysons, VA, is a lively outdoor beer garden featuring seasonal brews, live music, and food trucks. This event is perfect for a relaxed afternoon with friends.
Red Bear Brewing: Pumpkins & Pints in Washington, DC, offers a fall beer festival with pumpkin-themed brews, pretzels, and festive activities. It’s a great spot for beer enthusiasts looking to celebrate the season.
Dacha Beer Garden Pumpkinfest in Washington, DC, is a charity event featuring pumpkin carving, seasonal beers, and live entertainment. Proceeds support Habitat for Humanity, making it a fun and meaningful way to enjoy fall.
Why Fall in the DMV is Unmatched
From crisp orchard air to crackling fireplaces, the Washington DC area delivers autumn at its finest. Whether you’re picking apples, searching for pumpkin beer, hiking through gold forests, or savoring spiced cocktails, the DMV offers endless ways to fall in love with the season.
Plan your adventure today—before the leaves (and the pumpkins) are gone!
